Holly Lane’s Special Veteran Tribute 2015

The First Grade USA Flag wavers during the grand finale of “God Bless the U.S.A.” honor Veterans.

by Mary Levtzow

On a fantastic fall Friday, Nov. 6, the entire Holly Lane community in Westlake – children, parents, grandparents, and staff – gathered at 1 p.m. to present their spirit driven “Thank You Veterans” Assembly for its 27th year. Principal Mimi Verdone, warmly welcomed all, especially the honored Veteran Guests, to the 2015 Holly Lane “Thank You Veterans” Assembly and Reception.

In silence, the Westshore Chapter 249 Vietnam Veteran Color Guard reverently Presented the Colors. The standing Assembly joined Mrs. Verdone in saying “The Pledge of Allegiance.” Marine Corps Veteran Mr. Chris Martin sang the Star Spangled Banner.

: Musician, Band Director, and Veteran Thomas Hill attends the Special Veterans Assembly at Holly Lane on November 6.

: Vietnam Veteran Color Guard – Westshore Chapter 249 – Army member Dick Whiskin serves at the Holly Lane “Thank You Veterans” Assembly.

: Vietnam War Veteran Jules Rewald proudly serves and gives thanks for the wonderful Holly Lane “Thank You Veterans” Assembly.

: Veteran Dick Swidrak displays his special Holly Lane Thank You Veteran Carnation.

Following the introductions of honored guests, the Third Grade presented their song The Brave directed by music teacher Mrs. Alison Gregory. Principal Verdone recognized the dedicated work of the Scouting Programs by Holly Lane students. Second Grade students presented a medley of Military Anthems as Veterans stood up to honor their respective Branch of Service. The Veteran Carnation Presentation commenced with the Boy and Girl Scouts giving Carnations with attached colored Thank You Flag Hearts to Veterans throughout the assembly.

Holly Lane Music Teacher Mrs. Alison Gregory at the front left and her family of military veterans and supporters including Mrs. Gregory’s brother Marine Corps Veteran Mr. Chris Martin in the center of the back row who sang the “Star Spangled Banner” at Holly Lane’s Veteran Assembly.

Mrs. Gregory led students and audience members in the singing of “God Bless America.” During the Special Assembly, Mrs. Verdone shared her family’s military involvement as she thanked students, staff, parents, and visitors for their support of the Holly Lane Community in honoring Veterans for their selfless service to protect the freedoms that are so near and dear to all Americans. After the closing comments and thanks by Principal Verdone, the First Grade Musical Presentation God Bless the U.S.A. with dynamic artwork created under teachers Mrs. Lisa Forshey, Mrs. Sarah Gorius, and Mrs. Gregory. A Vietnam Veteran Color Guard Retired the Colors to close the assembly. A wonderful Holly Lane PTA sponsored Veteran Recognition Reception in the cafeteria continued this Patriotic Celebration. May God Bless All Veterans for their superior and dedicated efforts to keep America free.

: Holly Lane students and staff take time to say “Thank You Veterans” for your service.

: The Veteran excitement builds before the Holly Lane “Thank You Veterans” Celebration.

: The Holly Lane Second Grade honored all the Branches of Service in song and spirit.

: Holly Lane Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts distribute the Thank You Veteran Carnations.

: “Thank You Veterans” Cakes for the November 6 Holly Lane Elementary special Assembly honoring Veterans.

: Holly Lane First Graders Musical Presentation of “God Bless the U.S.A.” stirred the hearts of all.

: Daughter from Minnesota joins her Veteran Father at the fantastic “Thank You Veterans” Assembly at Holly Lane Elementary.

: Retired Holly Lane second grade Teacher Marilyn Lester and an honored Veteran enjoy the Special Reception following the Holly Lane “Thank You Veterans” Assembly.